A BUBBLE TEA OR HONG KONG MILK TEA? BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Although tea is a simple beverage, it has a lengthy and fascinating history and is served in a variety of ways. One of the greatest modern beverage creations is bubble tea, often known as "boba" or occasionally "pearl tea," and if you have never had it, you are losing out. One of the wonderful, straightforward joys that life has to give, bubble tea has its roots in Taiwan.
Although Hong Kong has a large number of bubble tea outlets, tea has a long history in the city. Although most cities now sell bubble tea, tea connoisseurs must also sample the traditional Hong Kong milk tea, which is a local favorite. Below, we examine both bubble tea and milk tea, a more conventional beverage.
WHERE IS BUBBLE TEA ORIGINATED?
Pink Bubble Tea Girl According to legend, bubble tea was created in the Hanlin Tea House in Tainan, Taiwan. When Tu Tsong, the proprietor of a teahouse, noticed white tapioca balls at the Ya Mu Liao market in 1986, he was inspired and decided to make tea with them. The typical pearl-shaped white tapioca balls are what give this beverage its other moniker, pearl tea.
After some time, Hanlin began to sell black pearls that were combined with brown sugar or honey, although both colors of pearls (or bubbles) were still available in a variety of stores.
The Chun Shui Tang Teahouse in Taichung, Taiwan, has a different origin tale. When Liu Han-Chieh, the company's creator, was traveling in the 1980s, he saw how the Japanese served their coffee cold and decided to do the same with tea.
His business expanded as a result of this novel tea-serving method, and numerous shops were set up. In several areas of East and Southeast Asia in the 1990s, bubble tea gained popularity as a result of the expansion.
BUBBLE TEA: HOW IS IT MADE?
When served cold, but not always, bubble tea is a sweetened tea beverage with tiny red bean or tapioca balls at the bottom, often known as "bubbles" or "pearls." Although it is available in a variety of tastes, it is normally served in one of two ways: either as an iced, fruity tea prepared with tea, iced flakes, and fresh fruit, or as a milkshake-like tea made with iced flakes, water, milk, powdered flavor, and creamer.
Young and old, from Canada and the USA, as well as from Europe and other countries, have all grown to love the beverage, especially in locations with sizable Asian populations. However, bubble tea is now available in the majority of towns and cities all over the world. So where can tourists in Hong Kong have delicious and chilly bubble tea?
GONG CHA
One of the venerable standards is Gong Cha (old for bubble tea). This is THE spot for certain folks. Additionally, it is situated in a number of communities and is easily accessible from most areas of Hong Kong. Some would argue that it isn't as innovative as some of its rivals. However, their tea, which starts at $18 and is delectable in its own right, is reasonably priced.
COCO
As of this writing, CoCo has six sites in Hong Kong. To enjoy this bubble tea, which is renowned for its fresh, creamy texture, you must visit one of them. Smoothies and fruit flavors are also available, with costs ranging between $18 and $22.
SHARETEA
The red-bean milk tea is a popular beverage here. A few of the items have an almost flowery, herbal flavor. Prices start in the same range as the other bubble tea places mentioned above, and it features bubbles that resemble jelly and have a pleasant flavor as predicted.
KOI THÉ
Although KOI Thé may appear to be another bubble tea shop, fans of pearl tea strongly suggest it because of its peculiarly colored, golden bubbles. Additionally, they provide well-liked and current fresh brown sugar milk tea. Since their teas usually start out sweet, it is best to avoid adding sugar (and perhaps even request "less sweet").
It is renowned for its variety, flavor, and quality and is located in a bustling area of Mongkok (and other places). You'll drink a lot if you choose the large size, so beware (and it will definitely be too good to stop).
TP TEA
The popular bubble tea brand TP Tea is renowned for its robust, milky flavor and the premium tea leaves it uses. The slightly higher pricing, starting at $24, seems more than reasonable given the broad range of other bubble teas available (Yakult green tea, for instance).
FLORAL BLOOM
Bubble tea from Flamingo Bloom is not just delectable; it is also an experience thanks to phrases like "shake your boo-tea," decorations like inflatable flamingo drink holders, and their exquisitely painted walls. Additionally, this is the ideal location for your next selfie for social media.
All day long, their teas are freshly made and pure with no additives. The range of costs is from $19 to roughly $36.
HISTORY OF HONG KONG MILK TEA IS RICH AND CREAMY
The traditional beverage known as Hong Kong milk tea has colonial origins and has provided most Hongkongers with energy (and pride) since the Second World War.
Yeet Lai Cha, which translates to "hot milk tea," has a robust, creamy flavor. The original Hong Kong milk tea is refined several times through a silk stocking, which makes it extremely strong. Evaporated milk is added to make the drink creamy. It provides a sustained punch of tannins from the carefully chosen blend of tea leaves.
Hong Kong milk tea is a holdover from the colonial era in the city. English tea was offered during the British era in upscale settings that were out of the ordinary Hongkongers' price range.
The popularity of English tea, however, was modified for the customary street food vendors following World War II, and the ingredients were found locally.
Regular milk was substituted with evaporated milk, which is still used today (most claim that the Black & White brand has the smoothest texture), and a stronger combination of tea leaves was adopted to suit the preferences of the local palate.
This potent, caffeinated, and creamy drink is consumed every day by many Hongkongers of all ages. Due to its soothing aspect and the difficulty of cooking at home due to the complexity of its preparation, it has developed into a staple of the dining-out culture.
The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea, located in the center of Hong Kong Park, is a great place for tourists to learn more about the history of tea.
FONG LAN YUEN
Since it opened more than 50 years ago, this classic Hong Kong diner has been a favorite among residents and visitors alike. One of the greatest venues to have a cup of silk-stocking milk tea is here. Their milk tea is renowned for its stained-brown, fine sack cloth strainer and is silky smooth with a lovely taste.
The address of Lan Fong Yuen is 2 Gage St, Central.
DAIRY COMPANY OF AUSTRALIA
This unique cha chaan teng establishment in the Hong Kong style can be the place for you if, like most Hongkongers, you wish to enjoy your Hong Kong milk tea combined with a sumptuous breakfast.
They provide a breakfast package that includes moist, fluffy, scrambled eggs, creamy buttered bread, macaroni, and char siu in chicken broth. Given that it is available all throughout the day and comes in substantial servings, this or one of the other milk- or egg-based meals provides a fantastic breakfast for both locals and guests.
The restaurant TSUI WAH
This 24-hour diner-style restaurant is perhaps the most well-known of its kind and has more than 20 sites across the city as well as in Macau and mainland China.
The one on Wellington Street, adjacent to Lan Kwai Fong, is the most well-known of them all. This makes it a popular destination for both residents and visitors, as well as famous people from adjacent clubs.
The Tsui Wah restaurant has hosted a number of local celebrities, including the pop artists Ron Ng, Kau Hung Ping, Daniel Wu, and Bosco Wong. Despite being a laid-back and informal eatery, the restaurant has appeared in a number of films because of its association with Hong Kong's LKF club culture.
Although the costs are slightly higher than those of some of its rivals, the restaurant provides a broad selection of typical Hong Kong dishes, including milk tea of course.
AT HOME, MILK TEA AND BUBBLE TEA
Having these beverages in their original, genuine shape and environment has a certain allure. However, today everyone in the globe may enjoy these drinks in the convenience of their own home! View some of this quick and simple boba tea and Hong Kong milk tea choices to make at home.
BREW BUBBLE TEA IN YOUR HOME
Before a friend informed me about a bubble tea party she attended, I was unaware that a bubble tea kit for home usage existed. It's a fantastic plan! Additionally, you may save money by preparing boba tea at home!
Online vendors provide certain bubble tea sets, although the whole price is frequently greater (and who wants to pay for plastic cups?). Reviews are divided since they don't always feature items of the highest caliber. I want top-quality goods at reasonable prices.
US-based Buddha Bubbles Boba delivers and bundles all of its orders from California. Even better, all of its products are made in Taiwan, the country where bubble tea originated! Mainland China does not have the same stringent requirements for food quality that Taiwan has (where many other boba products on Amazon come from).
The Milk Tea Boba/Bubble Tea Drink Mix is the first component in the DIY bubble tea kit I recommend (the smallest, 10-ounce/283-gram box produces 10+ drinks). This is a traditional milk tea flavor that tastes fantastic both hot and cold (with and without boba pearls). However, these people provide a huge variety of flavors, including Thai Tea, Almond, Chai, Green Coconut, Mango, Matcha/Green Tea, Passion Fruit, and many more.
Purchase a bag of their 10-ounce/283-gram big Boba/Black Tapioca Pearls as well. Consider purchasing some extra-wide reusable smoothie straws as a last step. These reusable, eco-friendly giant straws are great for boba tea, milkshakes, fruit smoothies, and more. They also come with 2 cleaning brushes. Our earth will be grateful.
IMMEDIATE MILK TEA
Nothing compares to a custom-made, thick, and creamy Hong Kong-style milk tea. However, if you wish to have milk tea at home but are not currently in Hong Kong, these traditional "3 in 1 Milk Tea" sachets are a perfect substitute. It's simple to choose Dai Pai Dong Hong Kong Style Instant 3-in-1 Milk Tea. And the locals really like these substitutes for instant milk tea powder.
Popular local brand Dai Pai Dong is readily available here and tastes just as well as genuine Hong Kong milk tea. Importantly, it is a locally owned and run business, and its delicious tea products are entirely produced in Hong Kong and sold only here.
BOB AFFILIATED COFFEE
I don't drink coffee, but a (different) buddy from the US insisted that I add this. Along with the typical bubble tea variants and fruit juice concoctions with boba, there is a wide range of coffee concoctions that are popular throughout ASEAN nations and likely have their origins in Vietnam. Condensed milk that is sweet and creamy is commonly seen in this coffee.
Now, on the other side of the earth, Cafe Du Monde coffee is likewise a unique kind that originates in the southern American city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This has a fairly fascinating history that dates back to the American Civil War and is essentially a combination of coffee and chicory. This American classic is given an Asian condensed milk touch in the Cafe Du Monde Boba Coffee Kit, and current boba flair is added on top of that. Homemade boba coffee fusion is what it is!
THE STORY OF TWO TEAS
There you have it, then. Will you try a refreshing, fruity pearl tea (also known as bubble tea to its Western fans)? Or perhaps you'll try a cup of creamy, stimulating Hong Kong milk tea? Will you snuggle up at home and give yourself a cup of deliciousness or will you get out and experience some fantastic classics or inventive new, refreshing beverages? Of course, the answer is straightforward. Try each one!
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